Meteorologists said there was a chance the winds would be as severe as those that fueled the Palisades and Eaton fires, but that different locations would likely be affected.

Katabatic winds? Adiabatic compression? Time for a thermodynamics lesson! The record lack of rain has also made this Santa Ana event different.

Topography matters, too — treeless mountain peaks are typically windier without those trees, or buildings, to slow the winds. And different parts of Earth — water and land — heat from sunlight at different rates, which shapes wind.

Firefighters from Northern California and neighboring Arizona have been sent to Southern California as out-of-control fires rage on in Los Angeles County. Fires began Tuesday afternoon as high-speed winds,

Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire.

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

One of the biggest stories of 2025 thus far has been the wildfires in California. A common occurrence in that state, wildfires are often fueled by a combination of drought and terrain. The terrain allows for the development of Santa Ana winds that cause any fire to spread very quickly.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Santa Ana winds are common in Southern California during cooler months. Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a ...

Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling multiple wildfires across Southern California, forcing thousands of residents to flee from their homes.

Santa Ana wind events are actually strongest and ... In a typical La Niña winter setup, Northern California sees wetter-than-average rain and snow, while Southern California sees drier-than ...

Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn in Southern California.

It was one of those special winter days we get around here, so inviting. I went for an afternoon walk on the neighborhood hill. The sky had been swept clear by the wind and the grass had turned wintergreen.